A one-year management contract between Sam Cooke and the William Morris Agency. It is comprised of two sheets of white paper with black printed text and additional typed and stamped information. Stapled to the front of the document is a small sheet of white paper with typed text regarding paragraph 3(b) of the contract. Sam Cooke's initials are signed at the bottom of this page.

A certificate of membership for the North Sixtieth Street Residents' and Merchants' Association, dated April 1st, 1987. The certificate is black ink printed on light blue paper, with both preprinted text and typewritten text. It is signed by Robert H. Coleman, president, and Maggie Carter, secretary. The reverse is blank.

A business contract between Club Harlem and Johnny Lynch obligating the musician to perform at the club for thirteen (13) weeks starting December 7, 1955 for four hundred and forty-one dollars and sixty-five cents ($441.65) to be paid at the end of each week. The contract was drawn up on a contract form created by the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. The seal for this organization is visible in the upper top left-hand corner. The contract is signed and dated by Johnny Lynch.

Stock certificate issued to Percival L. Burrows for two shares of stock in the Black Star Line, Inc. on April 20, 1921. The certificate has a green border with light green rays extending from the bottom border to the middle of the page. In the top, center, is a black and white graphic of a man on the left pointing to a globe with the continent of Africa prominent. Black text on the globe reads: [AFRICA / THE LAND OF / OPPORTUNITY]. To the right of the globe is an ocean liner with two smoke stacks. On the bottom of the certificate, centered, is an embossed seal for Black Star Line Incorporation. The text in ink, stamp, and by hand reads: [No. 35922 / Shares - 2 - / INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE / BLACK STAR LINE, INC. / CAPITAL STOCK $10,000,000 / SHARES $5. EACH / This Certifies that Percival Burrows is the owner of / Two Shares of the Capital Stock of / BLACK STAR LINE, Inc. full paid and non-assessable / transferable only on the books of this Corporation in person or by Attorney / upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. / IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the said Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed / by its duly authorized officers and its Corporate Seal to be hereunto affixed / this 20th day of April A.D.1921. / (illegible signature) / Secretary / J. Meyers Inc. 301 B'way / O. M. Thompson / President.]. The back of the certificate has black text regarding the transference of the shares with blanks provided for inserting the appropriate information. The text in black ink reads: [For value Received__hereby sell, assign, and transfer unto / Shares / of the Capital Stock represented by the within Certificate. / and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint / Attorney / to transfer the said stock on the Books of the within named / Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises. / Dated____19__ / In Presence of]. To the right of the text are two vertical lines of text regarding the appropriate people who may sign the reverse of the certificate. The text in black in reads: [NOTICE. THE SIGNATURE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE / FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICIULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.]

Stock certificate issued to Miss Amy McKenzie for two shares of stock in the Black Star Line, Inc. on September 18, 1919. The certificate has a green border with light green rays extending from the bottom border to the middle of the page. In the top, center, is a black and white graphic of a man on the left pointing to a globe with the continent of Africa prominent. Black text on the globe reads: [AFRICA / THE LAND OF / OPPORTUNITY]. To the right of the globe is an ocean liner with two smoke stacks. On the bottom of the certificate, centered, is an embossed seal for Black Star Line Incorporation overlaid with a red five-cent revenue stamp. The text in ink, stamp, and by hand reads: [No. 754 / 2 Shares / INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE / BLACK STAR LINE, INC. / CAPITAL STOCK $500,000 / SHARES $5. EACH / This Certifies that Miss Amy McKenzie is the owner of / Two Shares of the Capital Stock of / BLACK STAR LINE, Inc. full paid and non-assessable / transferable only on the books of this Corporation in person or by Attorney / upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. / IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the said Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed / by its duly authorized officers and its Corporate Seal to be hereunto affixed / this 18 day of Sept. A.D.1919. / Ed Smith-Green / Secretary / J. Meyers Inc. 301 B'way / Marcus Garvey / President.]. The back of the certificate has black text regarding the transference of the shares with blanks provided for inserting the appropriate information. The text in black ink reads: [For value Received__hereby sell, assign, and transfer unto / Shares / of the Capital Stock represented by the within Certificate. / and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint / Attorney / to transfer the said stock on the Books of the within named / Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises. / Dated____19__ / In Presence of]. To the right of the text are two vertical lines of text regarding the appropriate people who may sign the reverse of the certificate. The text in black in reads: [NOTICE. THE SIGNATURE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE / FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICIULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.]

Stock certificate issued to Florence O. Truesdell for two shares of stock in the Black Star Line, Inc. on October 4, 1921. The certificate has a green border with light green rays extending from the bottom border to the middle of the page. In the top, center, is a black and white graphic of a man on the left pointing to a globe with the continent of Africa prominent. Black text on the globe reads: [AFRICA / THE LAND OF / OPPORTUNITY]. To the right of the globe is an ocean liner with two smoke stacks. On the bottom of the certificate, centered, is an embossed seal for Black Star Line Incorporation. The text in ink, stamp, and by hand reads: [No. 37966 / Shares Two / INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE / BLACK STAR LINE, INC. / CAPITAL STOCK $10, 000,000 / SHARES $5. EACH / This Certifies that Florence O. Truesdell is the owner of / Two Shares of the Capital Stock of / BLACK STAR LINE, Inc. full paid and non-assessable / transferable only on the books of this Corporation in person or by Attorney / upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. / IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the said Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed / by its duly authorized officers and its Corporate Seal to be hereunto affixed / this 4th day of October A.D.1921. / (illegible signature) / Secretary / J. Meyers Inc. 301 B'way / O. M. Thompson / President.]. The back of the certificate has black text regarding the transference of the shares with blanks provided for inserting the appropriate information. The text in black ink reads: [For value Received__hereby sell, assign, and transfer unto / Shares / of the Capital Stock represented by the within Certificate. / and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint / Attorney / to transfer the said stock on the Books of the within named / Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises. / Dated____19__ / In Presence of]. To the right of the text are two vertical lines of text regarding the appropriate people who may sign the reverse of the certificate. The text in black in reads: [NOTICE. THE SIGNATURE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE / FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICIULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.] A small inscription of letters is located in the bottom left corner of the back of the certificate.

SF 50 Personnel Action for position of Pantryman for Eugene Allen. The paper document has black printed text. At the top [EXECUTIVE MANSION AND GROUNDS / NOTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL ACTION] is printed. Sections of the form have been completed, including for name, date, position title, and salary. The form is signed by Frank T. Gartside, the assistant superintendent for the National Capital Parks. [EMPLOYEE COPY] is printed in the bottom center. The reverse is blank.

SF 50 Personnel Action for position of butler for Eugene Allen. The paper document has black printed text to authorize Allen’s promotion from pantryman. At the top [EXECUTIVE MANSION AND GROUNDS / NOTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL ACTION] is printed. Sections of the form have been completed, including for name, date, position title, and salary. The form is signed by Frank T. Gartside, the assistant superintendent for the National Capital Parks. [EMPLOYEE COPY] is printed in the bottom center. The reverse is blank.

An eight page typewritten contract dated July 1, 1984, between Third World Music and Editions Intro Meisel. The contract has seventeen terms and conditions on seven pages. It is signed on page seven by James Brown in black ink. The pages are fastened together with a metal staple.

Originally issued in 1826, this is an official copy of an early manuscript Seaman's Protection Certificate for Robert Barnaby (April 21, 1834). The certificate describes him as as "a Citizen of the United States of America," with "black complexion, black eyes, wooly hair."

A payment voucher consisting of a one page document with embossed lettering and handwriting in black ink on both sides. The text begins with "Hartford March 20, 1783" and concerns payment to the Revolutionary War soldier Prince Simbo.

The payment voucher appears to have been filled out by Eleazer Wales on behalf of Prince Simbo. A mark appears with "his" above it and "mark" below it, and "Prince" to the left and "Simbo" to the right of it. Wales' signature appears to the bottom left of the type.

Paul Cuffe was born a free man in Massachusetts. His mother was Native American and his father was of West African Ashanti lineage. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Cuffe gained wealth as owner of an international shipping company. Despite his success, as an African American he was viewed as a second-class citizen and denied equal rights. As a taxpayer, Paul Cuffe petitioned the Massachusetts legislature in 1780 and demanded his right to vote. Free and enslaved African Americans petitioned for freedom, equality, and justice through the courts and state legislatures. They sought to assert their rights, promote their identity as citizens of the new nation, and challenge their status as enslaved people.

Source: Nancy Bercaw, Curator, Slavery and Freedom

Description

A petition to the court of Bristol County, Massachusetts, in Taunton written by an unidentified hand and signed by John Cuffe and Paul Cuffe. The text is handwritten in black ink on the front and back sides of the same sheet of paper. The petition is in regards to taxation by the state upon the signatories, who are of Indian descent and are arguing they are therefore not subject to such taxation.

A deed of sale document between William Walker and John and Joan Gunston for the sum of seven hundred pounds. The upper left corner of text is embellished with stylized writing. The bottom of the document has the signatures of John and Joan Gunston. Both signatures have attached seals with paper ribbons attached. The document begins “This Indenture made the Eight and Twentieth day of March In the first yeare of the reined of our Sovereign Lord James the second by the grace / of God of England Scottland Ffrance and Ireland King defender of the faith Anno Dni 1685 Betweene John Gunston and Joan Gunston Spinster both of Taunton Deane / in the county of Somersett Nephew and Niece Captain Thomas Gunston late of the parish of St. George in the island of Barbados (illegible) on the one part And William Walker / Cittizen and Ironmonger of London of the other part Withnesseth that they the said John Gunston and Joan Gunston as well for and in consideration of the summe of Seven / hundred pounds of lawfull money of England to them in hand payd by the said William Walker…” The middle of the document mentions the ownership and transfer of the Negro slaves. Written on the back side of the document at center is “28th March 1684 / Mr Jhn Gunston & Mrs Joan Gunston Conveyance / to Mr. William Walker.” On the back in the upper left corner is a small summary of the exchange of funds with witness signatures. In the upper right corner is a statement of understanding signed by Ursula Gunston. Witness signatures and a small wax seal stamp are also present.

Seven (7) paged deed of sale document between Samuel Smith, Rene Payne, George Smith, John Smith and Robert Lord Carrington for the sum of [nineteen thousand] one hundred and seventeen pounds, eleven shillings. The indenture document is sold by Moulton and Rushton of Chancery Lane, as indicated in the upper left corner of the front of the first page. The document is bordered in red lines. The top of the document in the upper left corner is stylized script [This indenture of three parts/Sold by/Moulton and Rushton,/Chancery Lane] Following the first line of stylized text is the start of the indenture [made the Twenty Eighth day of August in the/thirty eighth year of the Reign of our/Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain Ffrance and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith and soforth and in the year of our Lord One/thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight Between Samuel Smith and/Rene Payne of the City of London (illegible) of the first part The said Samuel Smith and Rene Payne and their (illegible)/George Smith and John Smith of the City of London (illegible) of the second part and The Right Honorable Robert Lord/Carrington of the third part]. On the left side in the upper third are two (2) blue squares of paper with embossed seals. On the reverse of the first page in the upper left corner is the payment of the indenture received to Robert Lord Carrington for the sum of [nineteen thousand] (AA, 1/29/15) one hundred and seventeen pounds and eleven shillings. The payment is witnessed and signed. At the top in the middle is a note regarding the sealing and endorsing of the document. On the left side in the middle third, is a note regarding where the indenture was filed [Enrolled in the Office of Enrollments in Jamaica/May 25th 1799 Lib: 465 fol 187/(illegible)/(illegible signature]. In the middle of the center of the reverse of the document is a summary of the document contents and the date [Dated 20th of August 1798./Samuel Smith Esq./and others...../to/The Right (illegible)/Lord Carrington../Conveyance/of two thirds of the ffarm/plantation/Enrd 25th May 1799/(illegible)/6.. 15 71/2 . 6/ 6.. 18 . 17]. Included in the indenture is a schedule of property listed on the sixth and seventh pages. On the last page are five (5) wax seals and signatures along the bottom. The signatures include Samuel Smith, Rene Payne, George Smith, John Smith and Lord Carrington.

A single sheet AFTRA engagement contract between The Jackson Five and Clerow Productions, Inc. to appear on "The Flip Wilson Show" dated June 30, 1971. The form is is pre-printed on the front and back of the paper in black ink, specific details have been typed in black ink on the front of the form, and there are several handwritten signatures.. The front of the form details the program, sponsor, performance place, date, and compensation among other things. It is signed by Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Toriano, and Sigmund Jackson as well as Joe Jackson, signing as their guardian. The document is also signed by a producer from either Celrow Productions or Bob Henry Productions. The standard terms and conditions are printed in two columns on the front and upper third of the back of the form. There are two dye cut holes at the top of the form and the left corner is torn from where it had been stapled.

A photocopy of a hand drawn diagram for the Jackson Five's stage requirements. The diagram is in black pigment on white paper. It details a stage, barrier, drum riser, and stage wings with dimensions for all elements provided. The back of the diagram is blank. The paper is dye cut at the top with two holes and there are multiple small holes, likely from staples, on the upper left of the paper. The diagram is in a sealed laminate or clear adhesive sleeve. The plastic is larger than the diagram and the border on the back is covered in masking tape.

A Certificate of Annuity issued by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board to Pullman Porter Thomas McCord. The certificate has black type on paper. The type reads: Certificate of Annuity / U.S. RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD / THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT / Thomas McCord / IS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE AN ANNUITY UNDER AND SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT / RRB CLAIM NO. A- 349173]. The certificate is signed at the bottom by the chairman and secretary. There is additional writing on the bottom by hand in ink of a series of numbers.

A last will and testament for Sarah Ann Blount Crozley. The document is handwritten in black ink on legal paper with blue guidelines. On the front of the document is a formal statement by Sarah Ann Blount Crozley. On the back is a formal statement by the witnesses, Frank L. Mace (illegible) and Sarah Brown.